The EMBF NW Awards are FREE to enter and open to all Black Minority & Ethnic (BME) businesses in the Northwest that are privately owned and employ less than 500 people.
Deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday 25th February 2008. Submissions recieved after this date will not be accepted.
Awards Categories
New Business Start-up of the Year
Open to businesses that have started in the last 2 years and have 1-15 employees. The winner will have vision, enthusiasm, leadership and a stubborn refusal to be dissuaded from his/her chosen path.
Key Judging Criteria
- Innovative and creative in forming the business idea
- A sound understanding of their market sector
- Substantial growth and innovation in its market sector
- Strong potential for sustainability and future growth
Male Entrepreneur of the Year
The Entrepreneur Award will ensure identification of vibrant individuals whose vision, flair, determination and hard work contribute greatly to the economic and social fabric of the country. From an inspirational flash of brilliance to the relentless day-to-day pursuit of excellence, it is these individuals' achievements that demonstrate the way to succeed in a dynamic economy.
Key Judging Criteria
- Demonstration of exceptional vision, drive, ambition and leadership
- Proven track record of outstanding business success from concept to conclusion
- Proven track record of adapting to an ever-changing economic climate
- Outstanding achievements in the world of business
Female Entrepreneur of the Year
This award goes to the outstanding woman who has identified enterprise and business ownership as a viable, credible and satisfying career choice, balancing working life with family commitments and overcoming the challenges faced by women business owners. We believe that many women have the dreams, passion and potential to create and grow their own businesses and the winner will encourage and inspire many more women to set up in business on their own and to find the freedom to do the things they really enjoy.
Key Judging Criteria
- Most inspirational and dedicated businesswoman who has achieved significant success
- Overcoming challenges to achieve outstanding business success
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Youth, vitality and ambition are important in every business. This award is for the young male or female entrepreneur aged 25 years or less that has shown outstanding vision, commitment and drive in running a business.
Key Judging Criteria
- Aged 25 years or less on 1st January 2008
- Outstanding business success in chosen market(s)
- Showing great potential for future business success
Exporter of the Year
Threatened by an ever changing global market competition this award is given to a business that has embraced and tackled global competition and has achieved outstanding success in doing so.
Key Judging Criteria
- Evidence of addressing global challenges and exploiting new international opportunities
- Ability to understand international border bureaucracy and processes
- Significant growth in global market share
Social Enterprise of the Year
Awarded to an organisation set up in the community by the community and for the benefit of the community. This award is given to a business that was set up to address a community need and subsequently has shown outstanding success in meeting that need.
Key Judging Criteria
- Community need identified as the cause of business start-up
- Third sector ethos evidenced in the business plan
- All profits re-invested back into the community
Northwest Business of the Year
This is a special discretionary award given to a company who the judges feel have achieved that little bit extra in business. This extra-ordinary achievement could be in business growth, business turnover, number of new people employed, business diversification, spotting new opportunities, demonstrating special business acumen or having that special individual quality. This winning company stands head and shoulders above the rest in the business field and has that 'je ne sais quoi'.
